Cultural Association of New York Inc.on-line Magazine

Feb. 29 2016 Vol 6 Issue 2

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JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS IN NEW YORK MASHRAMANI CELEBRATIONS IN BROOKLYN, JUNE 12

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 2 Greetings! Plenty Howdy! IN THIS ISSUE Ah Deh Hay! PAGE 3: My Native Land We trust that you are taking all necessary weather precautions and simul- PAGE 4-5: Stolen Legacy taneously enjoying the temperate climate. Undoubtedly our readers from PAGE 6-9: Althea Chase the tropics have engaged fantasies about hometown sunshine to brighten PAGE 10-11: Black History Month PAGE 12-13: Who are we? these days in their adopted home. In the month of February, as we look PAGE 14-17: Hubert Nathaniel forward to springtime, we are reminded of the importance of sharing love Critchlow and spiritual sustenance in the Lenten season. Keeping up the tradition, PAGE 18: Sir David Rose annual Phagwah, Mashramani and other spirited Carnival events are suc- PAGE 19: NY Jubilee Calendar of cessfully celebrated during this season around the Caribbean. Events In this issue we continue the focus on “honoring our past, inspiring the PAGE 20: Mashramani in New York future”. We share information about various dimensions of our culture, PAGE 21: Congratulations Ken Corsbie PAGE 22-23: Kitty Market renovations highlighting historical events, celebrations, artistic, educational and entrepreneurial accomplishments, particularly among our youth. We February Editor spotlight the historical journey to Guyana’s independence and the inimitable Lear Matthews role of personalities such as Trade Union stalwart, Hubert Nathaniel Cover Design Critchlow and Sir David J. Gardiner Rose, the first governor general of Claire Goring & Ashton Franklin Guyana.

Copy Editors- In celebrating Black History Month, the works of scholar Dr. George Edgar Henry, Lear Matthews Monah James and the legacy of creative Art forms in constructing African Gail A. Nunes villages are presented. The Fonoko Singers release of a Guyanese musical Layout and Design by CD entitled “Awi Lumbay” this weekend in New York. Continuing on the Claire A. Goring & Ashton Franklin path of youth achievement, the flag of Guyana flew as high as the mighty Roraima when a women’s 4 +200 meters relay team outclassed an elite Contributors: USA team at the 2016 Armory Track Event in New York…… , here Lear Matthews we come! Charles Monah Dr. Odeen Ishmael We bring you up-to-date with the on-going plans for celebrating Guyana’s Black Girls Rock-Althea Chase Golden Jubilee 2016 proceedings by providing a detailed schedule of Desilon Daniels events. A commentary on the Jubilee Symposium theme which addresses John G. Morris the question: “Who are we? - reflecting on our collective identity as we Kaieteur News prepare for an unprecedented milestone, hopefully leading to significant change and development in our dear land. Photography: 50th Independence The selection of the poem, “AHWETOWN” (for Georgetown) emerged Anniversary Celebration from an on-line Golden Jubilee conversation about transforming the Committee (New York) Lloyd Phillips names of prominent places to reflect the indigenous and Creole culture of Kester Clarke Guyana.Visit the “new” Kitty Market soon. Amanda Richards Registrations for the GACC's Music, Dance and Dancercize classes are still open. Hurry....Hurry! GCA Media Team Ave Brewster-Haynes (Chairperson), The Guyana Cultural Association urges you to continue to share credible Juliet Emanuel, Edgar Henry, and helpful information and ideas that would not only preserved our heritage, Lear Matthews, Claire A. Goring, but fortify our collective efforts as we prepare to celebrate 50 years of Ashton Franklin, Margaret Lawrence Guyana’s independence. Gail A. Nunes, Francis Quamina Farrier. Enjoy the read and walk good!

Please join our Facebook group, Lear Matthews Website: www.guyfolkfest.org February Editor GCA Secretariat -1368 E.89 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11236 Tel: 800-774-5762 Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine OUR PEOPLE, OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY: CELEBRATING GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE

Oh I care not that others rave over fair lands afar Where silver lakes and placid streams mirror the evening star I care not though their wealth be great, their scenery be grand 3 For none so fair as can compare with my own native land.

Their sylvan vales and rippling brooks may charm me when I roam But what of that? No brooks and vales can steal my love of home; Where I in childhood used to play, and where the old folks rest Must be to me. where’er I be, the dearest and the best.

And though I rove o’er hill and dale and brave old Neptune’s foam, O’er crags and rocks and mossy dells, I still will turn me home; For when at length I come to die, I want no gilded tomb, Just let me rest within thy breast, where thy sweet flowers bloom, Where thy sweet flowers bloom.

GUYANA MyLand Native

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine HONORING OUR PAST: INSPIRING THE FUTURE Black History Month is a remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora. Since 1976, it is celebrated annually in the United States of America and Canada in February 4 and the of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the month of October. In the U.S., Black History Month is also referred to as African-American History Month.

Guyanese Dr. George Granville Monah James AUTHOR OF STOLEN LEGACY:

Dr. George Granville Monah James was born in Hadfield Street, Georgetown, Guyana, South America. He was the son of Reverend Linch B. and Margaret E. James. George G. M. James earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Theology and Master of Arts degrees from Durham University in England and was a candi- date there for the D. Litt degree. He con- ducted research at University and did postgraduate work at Columbia University where he read for his Ph.D. Dr. James earned a teaching certificate in the State of New York to teach mathemat- ics, Latin and Greek. James later served as Professor of Logic and Greek at Livingston College in Salisbury, North Carolina for two years, and eventually taught at the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine HONORING OUR PAST: INSPIRING THE FUTURE 5

Charles Monah

r. George Granville Monah James was an African Guyanese scholar who held degrees and teaching certificates in theolo- gy,D logic, Latin, Greek, philosophy, mathematics and history. A professor at Arkansas A&M, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. With the publication of his groundbreaking book “STOLEN LEGACY” when published in 1954 concluded that the Greeks were not the originators of Greek phi- losophy. His was the first book to argue that the Greeks stole their philosophy from the people of KEMET in North Africa commonly called the Egyptians. James presents seven primary arguments: (1) “The term Greek philosophy, Greek philosophy was stolen Egyptian philosophy, to begin with, is a misnomer, (2) Greek philosophy was alien to the Greeks, (3) for there is no such philosophy Greek philosophy was the off-spring of the Egyptian Mystery System, (4) the Egyptians edu- in existence.” cated the Greeks, (5) the doctrines of Greek philosophers are the doctrines of the Egyptian for revealing too much and thus daring to chal- Mystery System, (6) the education of the Egyptian lenge the established racist European American Priests and the Curriculum of the Mystery System, power structure whose “vampiristic nature” show Egypt was the source of Higher Education in enables them to live off black oppression. Dr. the ancient world, not Greece; and (7) the James’ work was seen as a shot across the bow of Memphite Theology contains the theology, philos- white supremacy, one whose echo reverberates ophy, and cosmology of the Egyptians and is throughout the African world. Dr. George therefore an authoritative source of doctrinal ori- Granville Monah James had attained Kundalini gin. consciousness and intellect. His Stolen Legacy is The release of Doctor James’ long-awaited book an awakening and a must-read. stirred tremendous controversy in 1954 in George Granville Monah James was born on apartheid America. His very attack on the Greco- Hadfield Street in Georgetown, British Guiana Roman, Judaeo-Christian foundation of Western towards the end of the Nineteenth century, civilization upset western academia and still does around 1899 according to documents and bio- today. His unveiling that Aristotle stole and pla- graphical booklets which were devoted to him. His giarized materials from the royal libraries and father, the Reverend Linch B. James and his temples throughout Egypt offended those whose mother Margaret E. James were associated with intent was to keep Africans in subordinated the so-called Black minority educated class of the places, away from power in subservient roles, and city and sent George to the best schools where he held captive by a history enshrined in slavery thus managed to acquire a rich and solid education. having no impact on global culture except as hew- ers of wood and drawers of water. Dr. James’ life ended in 1954 under suspicious cir- cumstances, many alleging that he was murdered

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine HONORING OUR PAST: INSPIRING THE FUTURE

6 ALTHEA CHASE HOW I MOVED FROM SOCIAL OUTCAST TO SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR & CEO OF Fresh as Daisy

Kids Spa & Salon

First published in Blaack Girls Rock Facebook

In August 2013, Althea Chase with the help of her sister Crystal, hosted a sleep over for her daughter and 6 of her friends. They did manicures, pedicures and chocolate facials which they all loved. They ate pizza, drank apple cider in champagne glasses, and had girl talk. The girls talked about their future plans and how they were going to make the world a better place. It was a life changing, fun experience and everyone had a wonder- ful time. After the sleepover Althea would constantly get calls from the other moms asking when the next sleepover was going to be. The girls had so much fun that they couldn’t stop talking about it. Sometime in June of 2014 a light bulb went off and Althea realized that girls need to be empowered. So Althea put her idea into action and in November 2014 Fresh as Daisy Kids Spa and Salon opened its doors in a truly unique location in Brooklyn, New York. Here’s Althea’s story of how she went from being a social outcast to a successful entre- preneur.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine HONORING OUR PAST: INSPIRING THE FUTURE My name is Alteaha Chase and I was born on March 17th 1979. My mother Joan LaRose is a teacher and my father Ashton Austin was a mechanic. My childhood was spent surrounded by family and friends. We lived in a large house that was shared by my mother and her three sisters and a friend. My mother and I occupied half of 7 the top flat, we had one bedroom and another room that doubled as our kitchen and family room. Growing up I knew I was loved by both of my parents and my extended family; however, the words I love you were never said. You are beauti- ful and I am proud of you were rarely used. I attended Stella Maris Primary school then moved on to North Georgetown Secondary school (NGSS). At NGSS I would gravitate to people like myself; the shy easygoing, introverts. My mother migrated to the United States from Guyana, South America in 1994 in search of a better life & in 1996 I followed. I left behind so many people who were instrumental in my youth and with whom I had strong ties. Everyone that I identified with were now miles away. To say the transition was hard is an understatement. It felt more like a transformation. I went from living among family and friends to residing in a two bedroom apartment with my mother and then two-year old sister in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. I attended John Jay High School and the experience was overwhelming. Instead of being placed in the 12th grade, they placed me in 10th grade. I excelled academically and had the advantage of being ahead of my fellow students in all subject areas, but socially I felt myself shrinking. I was over- whelmed at the size of the school, the class structure and the mere pressure of trying to fit in. My accent caused some to laugh, my hair was not in style and I was not part of the “in” crowd with my store bought clothing. High school can be the turning point for many students and I was a social outcast. Kids made fun of my accent and made me feel like an outcast. I cringed inside at the thought of going to school and what lay ahead of me on any given day.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine HONORING OUR PAST: INSPIRING THE FUTURE The toll of being ostracized was becoming It was at this time that I decided I wanted the experi- too much and I finally convinced my ence of young people, girls in particular, moving to the 8 mother to allow me to take the GED United States from a foreign country to be better than exam. Since academically I never had what it was for me. ENABLE, EMPOWER & EDU- any problems, I was able to pass the test on my first CATE!!! This became my mantra from that point on & I attempt. I began working and was able to establish a began envisioning my dream of working with young slight sense of belonging with some friends I was women. At my mother’s church, Greater AME Zion beginning to make. located on Lenox Avenue in Brooklyn, New York I Over the next few years, more of my family and friends would start a small youth group where school age girls began migrating to New York from Guyana. This was would meet to discuss issues they were facing in comforting because I know felt like I belonged. We schools our little group only lasted a few session but I would sit and reminisce about Guyana and tell our sto- was determined to reach more girls. ries about the transition to the United States. As we I enrolled at Borough of Manhattan Community talked, we all shared a common thread, the ease and College (BMCC) where I graduated with Associates uncertainty we felt when we first moved here. Degree in Human service. I gained employment at Queens Children Guidance Center as a caseworker working with at risk youths and families. My job responsibilities included home visits & providing sup- Fresh as Daisy port and counseling to the families I attended Lehman College where I majored in Social Kids Spa & Salon Work. In 2004 I graduated Magna Cum Laude and was on the Dean’s List. I was employed at the nonprofit agency YAI, as a Developmental Aide. YAI provides housing, counseling and a vast array of other services to individuals with developmental disabilities. In 2006, I accepted a position as a Social Worker Assistant with NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). My duties include interacting with clinical staff to provide support services to developmentally disabled individuals that live at home and in residential settings. I advocate for individuals who are disadvan- taged and unable to speak up for themselves. While continuing to work for OPWDD on a modified schedule, I applied and was accepted into the Advanced Standing Program at the Hunter College School of Social Work. I had the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful year long internship at Ackerman Institute for Family. I was a part of the Diversity and Social Work Training Program where I provided therapy to families dealing with school difficulties, child and ado- lescent problems, marital issues, divorce, bereavement, learning disabilities, family violence, child abuse and incest, and chronic medical illnesses, including AIDS. I would help family members work collaboratively towards solutions to their problems, and help them to harness and strengthen family resources. I graduated in 2007 with a Master’s Degree and a deep love and understanding of working and advocating for people that could not do so for themselves. My work is rewarding but there was always a burning desire with- in to work with young women migrating to a new place.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine HONORING OUR PAST: INSPIRING THE FUTURE In 2008 I gave birth to my most prized possession, a baby girl I named Daisy I envision a life for her filled 9 with the things I never had the chance to experience. She would have the opportunity to experience the arts, ballet, & museums. We do a lot of mother-daughter activities and on spe- cial occasions I would bring her along to the nail salon where she would be treated to a manicure and pedi- cure. She loved the experience, but I began to notice that the service and environment were not kid friend- ly. As I continued to treat Daisy to the occasional salon visit I found myself complaining about the lack of attention she was given and how fast the services were completed. It was as though her nails & feet were not taken seriously. In August of 2013 I hosted a sleep over for Daisy and 6 of her friends, I recruited my younger sister, Crystal in braiding, flat twist, cornrows, extensions and to help. We did manicures, pedicures and chocolate dreadlocks. Our all inclusive kids spa party center spe- facials which they all loved. We ate pizza, drank apple cializes in all themes, Monster High, Frozen, Princess, cider in champagne glasses, and had girl talk. The Pink In Paris etc.. Little Divas, and princesses can girls talked about future plans and how they were enjoy gorgeous glitter make up, fancy nail polish, and going to make the world a better place. It was a life our signature pink champagne while being pampered changing, fun experience and we had a wonderful in our comfy pink spa robes and slippers. time. After the sleepover I would constantly get calls Because we are extremely big on community involve- from the other moms asking when the next sleepover ment and family, for Mother’s Day 2015, Fresh as was going to be. The girls had so much fun that they Daisy kids Spa pampers all the mothers, and grand- couldn’t stop talking about it. mothers of The Greater Saint James AME Zion Church Sometime in June 2014 a light bulb went off in my on Lenox Avenue in Brooklyn New York. We also head and I realized that all girls from all walks of life donated our time and service to pamper all the little needed to be empowered. Fresh as Daisy Kids Spa & girls of Thaddeus Stevens Public School (P.S 81) who Salon was named after my daughter and with the made the Honor Roll. We are currently in talks with vision of the life I have for her. Life lessons begin at a the Principle and Parent Coordinator at Granvill T. young age and are carried throughout life so why not Wood Public School 335, putting together a date and start now. In November 2014 the doors of Fresh as time to pamper all the littler girls who attended that Daisy Kids Spa and Salon opened. school and are currently living in temporary housing Fresh as Daisy Kids Spa is a hidden paradise for girls such as shelters, and foster care. Fresh as Daisy Kids ages 2-14. Our Mission is Pamper, Empower and Spa participated in 12th Annual Children’s Sport and Educate young girls, build self-esteem, confidence and Fitness Expo which was held at Boys and Girls School create employment. This wonderful establishment has in June. We also attended the 6th Annual Juneteenth hosted over 150 events since November 21st. 2014, we Family Fun Day in June which was held at Gershwin continue to learn, grow and improve. Our Kids Spa Park in Brooklyn New York. offers Orbeez manicures and fun flavored pedicure I am extremely happy that I have provided such an such as bubble gum, watermelon, cotton candy, blue- awesome place for her and many other little girls who berry, strawberry. We offer edible, colorful chocolate come from near and far to experience our services. It facials with cool cucumber eye patches. No two parties is very important for little girls to see that adults that are ever the same, Spa parties are unique, interactive, look like them can build, create and manage businesses. and fun. We have an incredible Cupcake Decorating I encourage any girl to follow her dream don’t matter Station that brings out the creativity in kids and what people may say. Work hard, dream big and be adults. Your Spa party can also include a fancy fash- determined. Anything is possible if you just believe. ion show where little Divas can dress up in pink tutu, boas, diamonds, pearls and walk down the red carpet Visit www.freshasdaisy.com for more information or to to be crowned fashion Diva. Fresh as Daisy Kids Spa schedule an appointment. has a full service children’s hair salon specializing

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine HONORING OUR PAST: INSPIRING THE FUTURE 10

n the south of Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in west Africa, near the border with Ghana lies a small, circular village of Iabout 1.2 hectares, called Tiébélé. This is home of the Kassena people, one of the oldest THE VILLAGE ethnic groups that had settled in the territory of Burkina Faso in the 15th century. Tiébélé is known for their amazing traditional WHERE EVERY Gourounsi architecture and elaborately deco- rated walls of their homes. Burkina Faso is a poor country, even by West HOUSE IS A African standards, and possibly the poorest in the world. But they are culturally rich, and decorating the walls of their buildings is an WORK OF ART important part of their cultural legacy in this area of the country. Wall decorating is always a community project done by the women. The Kassena people build their houses entire- ly of local materials: earth, wood and straw. Soil mixed with straw and cow dung is moist- ened to a state of perfect plasticity, to shape almost vertical surfaces. Today this technique is replaced by the use of mud brick molding walls with foundations resting on large stone. Tiébélé’s houses are built with defense in mind, whether that be against the climate or potential enemies. Walls are over a foot thick and the homes are designed without windows except for a small opening or two to let just enough light in to see. Front doors are only about two feet tall, which keeps the sun out and makes enemies difficult to strike. Roofs are protected with wood ladders that are easi- ly retracted and the local beer (dolo) is brewed at home. The most amazing feature, however, is the intricate ornamentation that covers almost every square inch of the dwellings, painted with colored mud and chalk that tell an expressive story of the ancient tribe’s culture. the motifs can illustrate just about anything from objects used in normal daily life, to reli- gion and beliefs, to decorative patterns that

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine HONORING OUR PAST: INSPIRING THE FUTURE 11

distinguish one house from the other. the artwork is feet tall, which keeps the sun out and makes enemies then embossed with rocks and etchings that highlight difficult to strike. Roofs are protected with wood ladders the designs and give a truly unique character. the that are easily retracted and the local beer (dolo) is material, along with small openings usually located brewed at home. closer to the ground assist in comfortable interior tem- The most amazing feature, however, is the intricate peratures ornamentation that covers almost every square inch of The Kassena people build their houses entirely of local the dwellings, painted with colored mud and chalk that materials: earth, wood and straw. Soil mixed with tell an expressive story of the ancient tribe’s culture. the straw and cow dung is moistened to a state of perfect motifs can illustrate just about anything from objects plasticity, to shape almost vertical surfaces. Today this used in normal daily life, to religion and beliefs, to dec- technique is replaced by the use of mud brick molding orative patterns that distinguish one house from the walls with foundations resting on large stone. Tiébélé’s other. the artwork is then embossed with rocks and houses are built with defense in mind, whether that be etchings tha highlight the designs and give a truly against the climate or potential enemies. Walls are unique character. the material, along with small open- over a foot thick and the homes are designed without ings usually located closer to the ground assist in com- windows except for a small opening or two to let just fortable interior temperatures enough light in to see. Front doors are only about two

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine OUR PEOPLE, OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY: CELEBRATING GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE PERSPECTIVE ON GUYANA’S GOLDEN JUBILEE: PART 1 Preparation for the 50th Anniversary of Guyana’s independence is in full swing. The launch of the Diaspora program occurred on January 16th in New York, and there is much anticipa- tion, excitement and numerous activities for the yearlong celebration. Overseas- based plan- 12 ning committees complement those at home, ensuring inclusive participation. This is particu- larly important because the Guyanese Diaspora represents a significant portion of those who identify with the homeland. The Symposium Committee will focus on the history and develop- ment of Guyana with one of its stated goals to explore: Who are we? This is the focus on my commentary.

Lear Matthews ‘WHO ARE WE’? Land of Six Races: A misnomer Guyana is internationally known as “Land of Six Races” or “Land of Six Peoples”. The groups referenced include East Indian, African, Amerindian, Chinese, European and Portuguese (a sub-group of European). However, the use of the term ‘race’ to distinguish these composite groups is a misnomer. Sociologists are skeptical about the biological classifica- of Guyana, do not comprise a race in the conventional tion of race. According to Martin Marger in his book sense of the term. ‘Mixed race’ (e.g. dougla, bouviander, Race and Ethnic Relations, race is a social construct santanton) adds to the confusion. Many of us have and in its popular usage describes a variety of human ‘mixed’ ancestry and some people are not sure what categories, including people of a particular skin color they are. (the Caucasian “race”), religion (the Jewish “race”), nationality (the British “race”), and even the entire Socio-linguistics and group identity: human species (the human “race”). How does this apply Institutional racism to the Guyanese context? These so-called racial groups and their social meaning “Land of Six Races/Peoples” was likely adopted as a have historical roots in colonialism and centers on ‘catch all’ phrase. Nevertheless, East Indian, Chinese political and economic realities, defining status and and Portuguese are not ‘races’, although one may argue shaping inter-group relations. Not unlike other that each “represents” a particular race, namely Asiatic Caribbean countries, an ideology of racism, imposed and Caucasian respectively, however ambiguously under colonialism, with the intersecting of color, class, defined. Similarly Amerindians, the indigenous people gender and culture, explains the categorizing of these groups.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine OUR PEOPLE, OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY: CELEBRATING GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE PERSPECTIVE ON GUYANA’S GOLDEN JUBILEE: PART 1 However, not only do these attributes result in a bond- ing of people of like origins, but unintentionally paves the way for divisions and disdain for people of dissimi- lar origins. As though struggling for an identity, con- 13 flict between the country’s two dominant ethnic groups has been pervasive and at times seemingly intractable. Further divisions based on the ‘belief’ of racial differ- ences, were heightened by religious affiliation, numeri- cal imbalance, regional disenfranchisement, distrust and name-calling. Over the years, this situation was exploited by political machinations through “racializa- tion” of these groups, which contributed to a fractured society. “Racialization” is the process by which a group In this regard, referring to Portuguese (primarily of comes to be defined as a race. peasant stock brought from Madeira) as “Putagee” has Some perspective on this was articulated by Kimani both linguistic and socio-cultural significance. That Nehusi (2015) who suggested that we need to be honest label distinguished them from the upper class European with ourselves. He stated that Guyanese must come to colonizers, and rationalized their labor status commen- know themselves as different ethnic/cultural groups, surate with the other lower/working class groups. This know each other and ourselves as Guyanese. Self- is a classic example of the strategic social construction knowledge in all its individual and group ramifications of group divisions used to frame the hierarchy within is central to this honesty. the society. Ethnic communities share some common cultural traits What has been our journey? by virtue of a shared environment. We should view our- ‘Who are we’ is intricately connected to ‘what has been selves from an ethnic rather than a racial/racist para- our journey’ - a journey which began far beyond the digm. This would harness mutual respect, set an exam- shores of South America, traversed by a trail of dehu- ple for young people, leading to policies and actions manization and exploitation. This presumed, if not that are mutually beneficial rather than divisive. affirmed, a stratification system of superiority/inferior- Hopefully, matured at 50, the nation is up to the chal- ity, which percolated conflict and antagonism among lenge, in defining who we are, and what we can become. the groups struggling to share/control the society’s nat- ural resources. This was exacerbated by political ten- Part II will explore Diaspora Identity: Who are we sions between the two major groups, Guyanese of away from ‘home’? Indian ancestry and Guyanese of African ancestry. It also perpetuated rigidly imposed ‘racial’ stereotypes. Political independence brought a redefinition of nation- al identity and a sense of hope. Land of Six Ethnic Groups: An appropriate icon ‘Land of Six Peoples’, rather non-descript, is also com- monly used, but ‘Land of Six Ethnic Groups’ seems a more suitable icon. Such thinking is informed by the historical and cultural landscape of Guyana. Ethnic groups are groups within a larger society that exhibit a unique set of cultural traits. Members exhibit a sense of community, an ‘ahwhee’ feeling, and ethnic cleavage. They share a cultural tradition, common ancestry, per- ceived heritage, and tend to occupy (or have been assigned) distinct land space.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine CELEBRATE GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE: STRUGGLES. STRENGTHS: THOSE WHO STEPPED FORWARD

14 JOURNEY TO THE JUBILEE HUBERT NATHANIEL CRITCHLOW THE FATHER OF THE TRADE

UNION MOVEMENT IN GUYANADr. Odeen Ishmael Historian Hazel Woolford reminds us that “the BGLU and more specifically Hubert Critchlow, recognized that unless all ethnic groups respected themselves, their contri- bution to the development of the colonial Guianese society would be very limited and could have discouraged positive race relations. The effectiveness of the Union’s approach to handling the race issue was ultimately established by Critchlow’s ability to bring Guianese workers under the umbrella of the Labour Union and it was not surprising that East Indian workers conferred on him the title of ‘Black Crosby’. This was the most appropriate accolade that descendants of Indian immigrants could have bestowed on this trade unionist because ‘White Crosby’, or James Crosby, the Immigration Agent General, had been considered the only friend of the East Indian labourers.” ‘Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow stands tall as the most impor tant fig ure in the birth and growth of the labor move ment in British Guiana. He was dedi cated and determined, as were his lieu tenants, to bring an end to the hor rific and depressed con di tions that the working-class peo ple in the colony of British Guiana were forced to endure… Mel lissa Ifill

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine Extracts from “The Guyana Story” by Dr. Odeen Ishmael

He is well known as the father of the Trade Union move ment in Guyana.. He established the British Guiana Labour Union, the first suc cess ful trade union in the colony in Jan u ary 1919. He lived through two 15 world wars. A statue in his hon our stands on the grounds of Par liament Build ings, in Georgetown. Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was born in George town on the 18 Decem ber 1884. His father James Nathaniel Critchlow had emi grated from Bar ba dos and was employed by the Book ers com pany as a wharf fore man. His mother was Julia Eliz abeth, nee Daniels, from Essequibo. Hubert attended the Bed ford Wes leyan Pri mary School. He was in Stan dard 4 (equiva lent to Grade 6 in Amer i can schools), when his father died. He was only 13 years old then and he decided to leave school and start to work to help main tain his home. He started to work as an appren tice at the Demer ara Foundry. Later he became a dock worker on the waterfront. total des per a tion, to risk their liveli hood and their safe- At school, he was good at sports and he con tin ued to be ty, in a basic human instinct for sur vival, in order to so, well into his twen ties. He became a popu lar sports bet ter their lot, but to no avail. When workers protest- fig ure in the coun try dur ing the period 1905–1914 ed in George town and in the coun try side for better pay when he was the country’s middle-distance ath letic and work ing con di tions, the gov ern ment sided with the cham pion. He was also a good foot baller and cricketer. employ ers and quelled work ers’ demon strations with Hubert grew up in a world where rights for work ers as mil i tary force. Some protest ers were even killed. Gov - we know today were not even a pipe dream. Work ers ern ment did not see it as their role to have laws about pay and liv ing con di tions were not mat ters for nego ti a - income and hours of work, or grant recog nition to tion. Trade Union ism had not been established for too organ ised labour unions. long in Britain and America. Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow was 21 When Hubert was a young man, the Euro pean pow ers years old in 1905 when as a dock worker with their poli cies to expand their empires and con trol on the water front, he actively spoke up ter ri tory, drove them selves head long into a war of all wars, the Great War, known as the First World War. In for his fel low work ers dur ing a strike that world, British Guiana was a tiny pawn, the gov ern - in George town, He became pop u lar ment of which together with big busi nesses oper ated to and the seed was planted then for the suit the needs of Great Britain the impe r ial power. In birth of the trade Union move ment in that world, inequal ity reigned supreme, employ ers in Guyana.‘Cometh the Hour Cometh the their cas tle, and work ers in their hovel. Man.’ In British Guiana in the early 1900s work ing and liv ing con di tions for work ers were hor ren dous. Those for tu - ‘The imme di ate ori gins of the trade union movement nate to find work at a time of high unem ploy ment faced can, how ever, be traced to a strike by water front work - a long work ing day for low wages and ris ing cost of liv - ers for increased wages in Novem ber and Decem ber ing. In Georgetown many people lived in shan ty towns 1905 in George town, which was led by Critchlow. These with poor water sup ply, lit tle or no drainage or garbage work ers faced oppo sition from the uncom pro mis ing dis posal. Dis ease was ram pant, infant mor tal ity rates ship ping com pa nies, and, the con flict between the were high and life expectancy low. No orga niza tion ship ping com pa nies and the work ers that had dete ri o - existed to make rep re sen ta tion to employ ers on behalf rated into riot ing and blood shed was even tu ally settled of their work ers to secure bet ter wages and improved after the British troops had been sum moned. At an work ing conditions. address to the World Trade Union Con fer ence in 1945, Critchlow detailed the work ers’ woes and demands in The sheer injus tices and inhu man ity meted out to the 1905 strike that had ulti mately failed. work ers drove them from time to time to strike out in

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine CELEBRATE GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE: STRUGGLES. STRENGTHS: THOSE WHO STEPPED FORWARD JOURNEY HUBERT NATHANIEL CRITCHLOW “There was no tradeTO union, THE and the JUBILEE: employ ers refused. years. Employers saw it as a force aimed at foment ing So I got the work ing men, boys together, and they indus trial unrest, and issued threats to work ers who agreed that when there were six boats in the har bour were union mem bers. Despite this, its mem ber ship 16 they must strike. A great thing and at that time I did grew rapidly. By the end of its first year, it had more not know that all the estates in the coun try fol lowed us than 7,000 finan cial mem bers com pris ing water front and struck on account of low wages.” work ers, trades men, sea defence and road work ers, ‘It was Critchlow’s par tic ipa tion and role in this strike rail road work ers, bal ata bleed ers and min ers, some that cat a pulted him into the pub lic eye and gave him Gov ern ment employ ees and hun dreds of sugar estate added author ity and cred ibil ity as a work ers leader. labour ers. Branches of the union were also set up in The fail ure of this 1905 strike, which was partially due var i ous parts of the country. By Jan u ary 1920, there to the orga ni zational weak ness of the work ers, clearly were 13000 mem bers, and the unions sav ings were demon strated to Critchlow that there was a press ing $9700. need for a trade union in the colony…’ The Union gained many improve ments includ ing: the The first world war made mat ters worse for work ing elim i na tion of night and Sun day labour in bakeries, a peo ple. Although many strikes during the war years num ber of salary increases, and the appoint ment of a were unsuc cess ful, there were some gains. The water - com mis sion to look into the liv ing con di tions, salaries front strike in Jan uary 1917 yielded a 10% increase in and any other cir cumstance affect ing steve dores. One wages, and a reduc tion of daily work ing hours from 10 of the most sig nif i cant achieve ments was legal recog ni - and a half hours to 9 hours. A strike in Decem ber 1917 tion for trade unions in June 1921. This recog nition yielded another 10% increase in wages. was achieved with the sup port of the Colonial Office in Lon don and the British Labour Party. Critchlow became the undis puted leader of water front work ers and work ers gen er ally but he soon paid the Dr Ish mael in ‘Critchlow in the Work ers’ Strug gle’ stat- price when he led a peti tion in 1917–18, for an 8-hour ed inter alia: work ing day. The Cham ber of Com merce pres sured ‘A seri ous unem ploy ment cri sis devel oped in the early him to with draw his name from the peti tion. He 1920s, fol low ing the end of the World War, and there refused to do so. He was imme di ately fired from his job were strikes and riots in George town in 1924. Since on March 1918, and black listed from obtain ing employ- sim i lar prob lems occurred in the British West Indies, a ment. strong sol i darity among the trade unions was forged in Being unem ployed, he devoted his time and ener gies to all the ter rito ries. A number of West Indian labour con - the cam paign for an 8-hour work day. In Decem ber fer ences also took place, and the BGLU played a lead - 1918, he led a small del e ga tion of work ers to the Gov er - ing role in all of them. Dur ing this period, Critchlow nor, Sir Wil fred Colet. After this meet ing he decided served as Secretary-Treasurer of the union; C. T. that the way for ward was through a trade union, and he Andrews was elected Pres i dent of the union in 1922. imme di ately started to make arrange ments for its for - ‘Spear headed by Critchlow, the union also ma tion. The British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU), the cam paigned vig or ously for the reduc tion of first suc cess ful trade union in the colony was even tu - rents in George town. At that time, most work - ally estab lished on the 11 Jan u ary 1919. Critchlow had ers, par tic u larly those on the water front, lived received sup port from all over the coun try and abroad, in rented build ings in the city. When a rent partic u larly from trade unions in Britain. reduc tion was won in 1922, a com mit tee of ten - Critchlow was employed on a full time basis by the ants des ig nated the 3 July 1922 as “Critchlow union. He was Sec re tary / Trea surer with a salary of Day.” $20 per month. His salary was increased to $120 in Trade union ism was now firmly estab lished in the 1920 in order to sat isfy the income qual i fi ca tion for a colony and the BGLU expanded its inter na tional links. seat in the Com bined court, the ‘parlia ment’ at the Critchlow rep re sented the union at the British Com - time. There he could make polit ical rep re sen ta tions on mon wealth Labour Confer ence in 1924, 1925 and 1930 behalf of work ers. He never stopped being a in Eng land. The British Caribbean and West Indian spokesman for the work ers. He pub li cised Labour Confer ence was inau gu rated in George town in their griev ances and demanded improved 1926, and Critchlow was a lead ing rep re sen ta tive at work ing con di tions and bet ter wages for them. this, and at sub se quent con fer ences. In 1938, he was The union expe ri enced numer ous prob lems in its early elected to the posi tion of Assis tant Sec retary of the Conference.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine CELEBRATE GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE: STRUGGLES. STRENGTHS: THOSE WHO STEPPED FORWARD JOURNEY TO THE JUBILEE: HUBERT NATHANIEL CRITCHLOW His expe rience in the work ers’ strug gle, led Critchlow Con fed er a tion of Work ers meet ing in Havana, Cuba. to the view that the estab lished cap i talist sys tem was Despite his increased admin is tra tive and offi cial Gov - not bring ing ben e fits to the work ing class. In Decem - ern ment duties, Critchlow con tin ued to actively rep re - 17 ber 1930, in an address to mem bers of the union, he sent work ers in vari ous parts of the coun try. In 1950, called for work ers to fight against cap i tal ism, as prac - the Gov ernment appointed an Advi sory Com mit tee to tised by the employ ers, and to struggle for the estab - exam ine cost of liv ing issues and to make rec om men - lish ment of socialism. da tions. These included a min i mum wage of $1.52 per In 1931, he trav elled to Germany to rep re sent the union day, but Critchlow, who was a mem ber of the Com mit - at the Inter na tional Com mit tee of Trade Union Work - tee, issued a minor ity report calling for a min i mum ers Con fer ence. In 1932, on an invi ta tion from the wage of $2.00 per day. trade union move ment of the Soviet Union, he vis ited Dr Ish mael con tinued. ‘For his out stand ing pub lic Rus sia. On his return, he spoke of the ben e fits Russ ian ser vice, he was awarded the medal of Offi cer work ers were receiv ing. The local press attacked him of the British Empire (OBE) by King George VI and called him a “Red, a Com munist and a Bolshevik.” in 1951. On the fol low ing year, he resigned as A num ber of Unions were formed to rep re sent work ers Gen eral Sec re tary of both the BGLU and the in var i ous areas, and in 1941the British Guiana Trades’ TUC, but he served on the Arbitra tion Panel Union Coun cil (TUC) was estab lished, with Critchlow that exam ined the wage dis pute for water front as its first Gen eral Secre tary. By 1943, 14 unions were work ers in Grenada. After this period, he was affil i ated to this umbrella body which, shortly after, gen er ally not invited to activ i ties organ ised joined the World Fed era tion of Trades Unions by the TUC. Dur ing the 1957 May Day parade, (WFTU). a con tin gent of work ers led by Dr. Cheddi Critchlow also cham pi oned demands for the Jagan saw Critchlow standing by his gate to exten sion of the right to vote so that all work - watch the parade. Dr. Jagan broke ranks and ers could par tic i pate in national elec tions. walked over to the gate and took him to march Some lead ers of other unions also agi tated for at the head of the parade. Later, at the this cause. demands of the work ers, he was allowed to address the May Day rally. In 1943, Critchlow and Ayube Edun, of the Man Power Cit i zens’ Associ a tion (MPCA), which was formed a few ‘While Critchlow served as Gen eral Sec re tary of the years before, were nom i nated by the Gov er nor to rep - TUC, May Day (1 May) was observed annu ally by re sent workers in the Leg isla tive Coun cil. In 1944, unionised work ers with marches and ral lies. He made Critchlow was appointed to the Exec u tive Coun cil (the reg u lar demands dur ing his annual address to work ers Governor’s Cabi net), and he served in this posi tion for the day to be declared a pub lic hol i day, but this was until 1947. He also served as the Government’s nom i - not achieved until 1958. nee on the George town City Coun cil from Decem ber ‘This out stand ing work ing class leader 1945 to Decem ber 1950. died on the 10th of May 1958 at the In the 1947 elec tions, Critchlow contested and won the South George town constituency. How ever as a result of age of 74. In 1963, at the request of Dr. an elec tion peti tion, his elec tion was declared null and Jagan, who was the then the Pre mier, void, and he was barred from con testing for a seat in the famous Guyanese artist E.R. Bur - the Legisla tive Coun cil for five years. It was dur ing rows sculpted a statue of Critchlow. these elec tions that Dr. Cheddi Jagan was first elected to the Legisla tive Council. This (bronze) statue was later placed In 1948, with the advent of the Cold War, the WFTU (on a two-metre high pedestal) on the was split. The TUC with drew from it and joined the grounds of Par lia ment Buildings.’ pro-West break-away group, the Inter national Con fed - er a tion of Free Trades Unions (ICFTU). Critchlow rep - re sented the TUC at the ICFTU con fer ence in Lon don in 1949, and was elected as a “sub stitute” mem ber of the Exec u tive Council to rep re sent the West Indian group. Later in the year he attended an Inter na tional

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine CELEBRATE GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE: STRUGGLES. STRENGTHS: THOSE WHO STEPPED FORWARD

18 JOURNEY TO THE JUBILEE FIRST GUYANESE BORN GOVERNOR GENERAL ir David James Gardiner Rose GCMG CVO MBE CPM was Governor General of Guyana from 1966 to 1969. SThe son of a Georgetown doctor, he was born April 10, 1923 and grew up in Mahaica, ECD; he was edu- cated at the Jesuit school of Mount St. Mary, Derbyshire in England. After war service with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, he joined the Colonial Police in 1948. His first police post was as assistant police superintendent in British Guiana. In 1960 he was appointed Federal Defence Officer of the former Federation of the West Indies and retired in 1962 after its dissolution. He became acting administrator of Antigua in 1962 and of St. Lucia in 1963. In 1964 he became administrator of Antigua until he became Governor-General of Guyana in 1966. He used to sing with the Georgetown choirs while a policeman, and as Governor-General once sang at a Georgetown charity concert. From time to time he sang in the Cathedral Choir. His honors included The Colonial Police Medal with bar for gallantry, Member of the British Empire (1954) and Companion of the Victorian Order (1966); he was conferred Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1966. The Order of Excellence of Guyana was awarded posthumously in 1970. Sir David James Gardiner Rose died Nov. 10, 1969, after scaffolding fell in a street at Whitehall Sir David James Place, Westminster, England, burying under rubble the car in which he was travelling. He was 46. He was in London at the time to relinquish his office prior to Guyana becoming a Republic in Feb. 1970, and was Gardiner Rose buried at Seven Ponds, known as the Place of Heroes, GCMG CVO MBE CPM in the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown. The David Rose School for the Handicapped, which was estab- lished in the 1960s, and Sir David Rose Avenue in Mackenzie, Linden were named in honour of the man who it is said was tipped to be the first president of Guyana.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine NEW YORK CITY GOLDEN JUBILEE COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS JUNE 4 -12, 2016 19 June 4th Interfaith Prayer Service, Queens ► Saturday, June 4, 2016 Proposed eme: “Standing As One We Heal In Unity” Proposed Time: 1pm- 4pm, VIP Reception: 4pm-6pm Proposed Venue: Performing Arts Center, York College June 4th Unity Concert, (evening) Brooklyn - TBD ► is event is designed to bring international and/or recording artists of Guyanese and/or Caribbean lineage together with local Guyanese artists to produce a night of unforgettable entertainment for our young people, and to promote unity and healing in the global Guyanese community and nation. June 5th Symposium on the History & Development of Guyana, ► Sunday, June 5, 2016 York College, Queens eme: “Guyana at 50: Understanding our Independence Journey” June 6th Exhibition of Guyanese Art, ► Venue: TBD e vision of this exhibition is to showcase and promote illustrations, paintings, drawings, or other artistic works by Guyanese artists. June 7th “ Invest Guyana” Business and Investment Conference, Manhattan ► “Stimulating Economic Development through Private Enterprise” Venue: President’s Room – New York Athletic Club, Manhattan e conference will create a synergy between stakeholders who impact business investments, commerce, trade and economic development in Guyana, and overseas-based Guyanese entrepreneurs as well as foreign businesses and corporations that find Guyana attractive for profitable business investments. June 8th “Guyana Gives Back,” Day of Volunteerism, ► Venues: Designated Centers in New York City June 8th United Nations Reception to Commemorate 50 Years of Membership, ► United Nations Headquarters, Manhattan June 9th Flag Raising Ceremony, Irvington, New Jersey ► June 10th Cultural Extravaganza, “Showcasing Our Rich Cultural Heritage” ► Prospect High School Performing Arts eater, Brooklyn, New York. June 11th President’s Cup Soccer Tournament & Youth Fun Day, Brooklyn ► “Developing Our Youth rough Sport” Venue: South Shore High School Park, Brooklyn e soccer tournament is intended to unite all regions of Guyana as well as showcase young, talented Guyanese soccer players in the USA, and provide a fun-filled day of interactive carnival activities for children and families, while feasting on traditional Guyanese delicacies. June 11th State Dinner & Awards Ceremony (evening), ► Venue: 583 Park Ave New York, NY June 12th “Mashramani in New York,” Brooklyn - “Celebrating 50 Years Of Nation Building”. ► Venue: Church Ave and Bedford Ave, to Ralph Ave to Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn Mashramani (Carnival) in New York” affords the Guyanese diaspora an opportunity to, in typical “Mash” carnival-like atmosphere, come together to celebrate our nation’s golden jubilee Independence anniversary with costume band parade, masqueraders and a sea of Guyanese nationals displaying renewed national pride, patriotism and national unity in artistic and cultural splendor.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine OUR PEOPLE, OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY: CELEBRATING GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE Mashramani (Carnival) in New York” affords the The Mashramani Parade will commence with a march Guyanese diaspora an opportunity to, in typical “Mash” led by committee members, government of Guyana carnival-like atmosphere, come together to celebrate officials, U.S federal, state and city officials. Costume our nation’s golden jubilee Independence anniversary bands with their marvelous floats and colorful, ener- with costume band parade, masqueraders and a sea of getic masqueraders, interspaced with large, wrapped 20 Guyanese nationals displaying renewed national pride, music trucks, will follow. patriotism and national unity in artistic and cultural splendor. Mashramani – an Amerindian word which Nationals will be organized in T-Shirt and costume means “celebration after hard work,” will live out its band formations representing the three geographical true meaning in New York with “Mashramani in New counties of Guyana: Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara York” depicting various aspects of our culture and to give the Parade a Labor Day feeling. stages of our national journey under the theme “Celebrating 50 Years Of Nation Building”. Parade Route The parade will commence at the intersection The Parade: of church and Bedford Avenue, proceed East The Parade will comprise marching bands, floats of along Church Avenue, South into Ralph Avenue various sizes, masqueraders in costumes choreo- and East into Flatlands Avenue into South graphed to depict various themes that reflect our Shore High School Park, for a grand rally to be nation’srich cultural heritage, vast natural resources – addressed by H.E President David Granger. like El Dorado –as well as its natural beauty. The Rally: The Rally will commence around 4:00 p.m. and is expected to attract approximately 25,000 nationals. The program will include musical entertainment by several Guyanese celebrities . Mashramani in New York SUNDAY JUNE 12, 2016 Route: Church Ave and Bedford Ave, to Ralph Ave to Flatlands Ave, Brooklyn

Tel: 212-947-5115. Fax: 646-915-0237. Email: [email protected]

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine CONGRATULATIONS 21 Ken Corsbie

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine ecades ago, the Georgetown markets would draw the admiration of anyone who saw them. RESTORING & PRESERVING The city’s oldest markets date back more than a Dcentury when Guyana was still British Guiana. Within 22 the city limits there are five markets, all named after the wards in which they can be found – the Stabroek Market, Bourda Market, Kitty Market, the Albouystown Market (or the La Penitence Market), and the East Ruimveldt Market. THE KITTY Indeed, Guyana’s markets are filled with rich history. However, while there is rich documented history on the ever-popular Stabroek Market and the less popular, but also well-known, Bourda Market, the histories of the smaller markets are sketchy at best. MARKETDesilon Daniels, The Kitty Market, in particular, is one somewhat Extracts from an article shrouded in mystery. published in 2015 in the Kaieteur News Thanks to modern technology, information is constant- ly at our fingerprints. However, technology is useless in finding a comprehensive history of the Kitty Market. More traditional means also reap little fruit; checks at the National Library will have you rummaging through old newspapers for just a few mentions of the Kitty Market; checks at City Council, which took over the market in 1970, would also leave you empty-handed. The National Archive was similarly devoid of information.

Pic by Lloyd Phillips, Anything Guyanese First

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine RESTORING & PRESERVING 23 KITTY MARKET

RISING FROM EYESORE TO

Pic by Amanda Richards SOURCE OF PRIDE

However, that does not mean the Kitty Market is lost recall that, like its predecessors, Kitty Market was from memory. Indeed, the market’s past can better be always in abundance of goods and services. It did not found in the memories of old timers than in the pages matter what your needs were; from shoe repairs, to of a history book. clothing, to furniture – Kitty Market had it all. Each The Kitty Market was established in 1882, two years day, throngs would flock to the market, drawn to the after the Bourda Market came into being. Kitty Market seemingly endless options offered by the market. began at the railway line near the abattoir. There, ven- But the market went beyond simply providing goods dors plied their goods from sunrise until sunset. Over and services. For many, it was the opportunity to con- time, the initial site extended until 1970 when it was verse with others and to make lifelong friends. At a taken over by the City Council. Like the Bourda time when televisions did not exist, the market provid- Market, Kitty Market is timber-framed. It was meant to ed all the entertainment one could need. Even later serve Georgetown’s Atlantic Coast neighbourhoods in when televisions made an appearance, the market had the city’s east end. That end also contained the edge because it provided human interactions, Campbellville, Bel Air and Prashad Nagar. something that was more appreciated decades ago. Physically, the Kitty Market was a beautiful structure. The market also presented a forum for the average citi- Like other markets at the time, Kitty Market had a zen to discuss what was happening in the country, clock. Its clock was one of the two electric public clocks whether it was in the realm of politics or sports. Even to be found in Georgetown. This clock was centrally when the conversations sometimes became too heated, located above the market’s offices. To date, the manu- you would nonetheless see the arguers back at the mar- facture date of the clock is not known but it is known ket again together soon afterwards, ready for another that the clock was made by the English firm, Gillett and discussion. Johnston. These days, things are much different at the Kitty Meanwhile, though it was smaller and less popular Market. What was once a bustling commercial area than the Stabroek and Bourda Markets, Kitty Market now resembles a ghost town – save for the homeless nonetheless thrived. persons, of course; what was once a source of pride is a Those who witnessed Kitty Market in its glory days common eyesore.

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine OUR PEOPLE, OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY: CELEBRATING GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE 24

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Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine OUR PEOPLE, OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY: CELEBRATING GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE Dance is a wonderful activity for kids. Dance will foster a 26 positive self image in both girls and boys. A child introduced GUYANA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER to dance at an early age will likely develop a love of the GACC arts and a passion for rhythm and movement. A DIVISION OF THE GUYANA CULTURAL& ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, INC. Most importantly, dancing is lots of fun! Dance EXPLORE CREATIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH MOVE- PROGRAM FOR KIDS MENT BY LEARNING DIFFERENT DANCE TECHNIQUES MODERN, BALLET, KATHAK, HIP HOP, CARIBBEAN & GIVE YOURWEST CHILD THE AFRICAN BEST START IN DANCE TO REGISTER 800 774 5762 GUYANA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER 2806 NEWKIRK AVENUE (2nd. FLOOR) BROOKLYN, NY 11226

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Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine OUR PEOPLE, OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY: CELEBRATING GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE

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Guyanese US-based athletes doing well A MEN’S and women’s Guyana team last weekend represent- Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Aliann ed the Golden Arrowhead at a 4x200m relay in the interna- Pompey, who is also the coach for King. tional section at the Armory Invitational, where the women’s Thompson last month ran 7.51 seconds for the 60m at the team, consisting of overseas-based Guyanese Alita Moore, Texas A and M Invitational, while King did 7.88 seconds at Kadecia Baird, Shenika King and Melissa Caddle-Hope, did the St. John’s season opener, Bill Ward Meet. well to win their event ahead of the USA and France. The “Things get a bit spicy in the 200m with several athletes par- Guyanese girls finished in a time of 1:37.93s for the win, sec- ticipating – Brenessa Thompson again leading the way with ond place went to the USA team who finished in 1:40.97s, a time of 24.04 achieved at the Razorback Invitational last and France were third. weekend in Arkansas. Kadecia Baird, the 400m specialist has The winning women’s 4x200m team from left, Melissa posted a time of 24.17 at the Great Dane Invitational in Caddle-Hope, Shenika King, Kadecia Baird, and Alita Moore Staten Island, NY on January 16, Shenika King posted a life- The winning women’s 4x200m team from left, Melissa time indoor-best of 24.97 and Melissa Caddle-Hope, a senior Caddle-Hope, Shenika King, Kadecia Baird, and Alita Moore at Coppin State, has so far run 25.02,” a report by the body “I can safely say we are all excited about winning and we are said. looking forward to continue running together so we can “Leading the group of 400m is Jermaine Griffith of Rutgers lower the time, which lets us know where we are and where University with a time of 47.99. Jason Yaw, now competing we need to get to before the Olympics,” Moore, who has been for Western Texas CC, ran his opening meet as a freshman in the U.S. since she was awarded a scholarship two years with a time of 51.86. Kevin Blayley ran a 51.00 for his first ago, said about the race. indoor race ever. Jenna McCammon ran a 56.42 at the Meanwhile, Mississippi State’s Stephan James managed to Armory Track Invitational and was second in the 60m with a record a 6.78 seconds time to make it into the final of the time of 8.50. college men’s 60m. However, he suffered a cramp and was Winston George broke the national indoor record with a time unable to participate in the final of the event. of 33.51.The highest-ranked Guyanese athlete is Troy Doris. Last weekend’s performance marked the latest in a string of His triple jump feat of 16.65 puts him tied for 4th in the remarkable performances being produced by Guyanese sta- world,” the report continued. tioned overseas. These performances come at a time when President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, said the Association the clock is counting down to the 2016 Summer Olympics set has been taking note and is keeping its eyes peeled for those for , Brazil in August. who qualify for the upcoming Olympics. According to reports of the North American arm of the Thus far Winston George stands as Guyana’s only qualifier Athletics Association of Guyana, stellar performances have for the Games. Nonetheless, Hutson noted, there are several also been seen from South American Youth Championships athletes whose marks are just off the Olympic qualifying gold medallist Jason Yaw, as well Brenessa Thompson, standard and it is hopeful these athletes can improve in time Guyana’s lone CARIFTA Games representative last year, and to qualify. Jermaine Griffith of Rutgers University. The AAG North American arm is headed by four-time

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine OUR PEOPLE, OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY: CELEBRATING GUYANA'S GOLDEN JUBILEE

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Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine POETRY:

Ah was flyin fuh jubilee to Guyana Change initiated without a rat-a-tat-tat, Straight from Miami, Florida. But by two common foot soldiers who belled the cat. De prodigal son again returnin home Change not by ahwe boy but by all ahwe, 30 As he turn his footsteps from a protracted roam. Change you can touch, change you can see. Ah had a few drinks a couple a finee, Change from the imposed singularity of Georgetown, An ah wish it was de buckman piwaree. To the inclusive, cohesive, collectivity of Ahwetown. Meh eyes ah close Change to be, An fall into a doze. By ahwe. Ah tink ah was dreamin, but instead Ah had a vision of meh beloved land of the Golden Maybe the Victoria Regia is the Water Lilly called by Arrowhead. another name, Or is it the same? A vision about positive change in Guyana, One thing that’s constant is irrevocable change, Change in the land of the mighty Roraima. Incipient change can start with a name. Change doesn’t come quick like turning on the light. Is a slow process to day from a long long night. Bury Georgetown with King George, And call that George. Transformational leadership Then arise triumphant, glorious from the ashes of the past, Presupposes the heavy burden of effective stewardship. A new name. Ahwetown at last.

Change plutonic, change platonic, Then I saw people in other planes from the diaspora, Sweeping in like a tidal wave from the Atlantic. Flying straight to AhwetownGuyana. Change like tropical rain nourishes the land, From Europe and Africa, By the sweat of thy brow and callouses in the hand Straight to Ahwetown, Guyana. Change that is deaf to the doubting thomases that bray, From America and Canada, But attunes itself to the yea not the nay. Straight to Ahwetown, Guyana. Change that turns a defiant back From Trinidad and Jamaica, To the nationalistic suicidal philosophy of apan jhat. Straight to Ahwetown, Guyana. Change by aggressive mimicry, From Cuba and even , The more you look the more you see. Straight to Ahwetown, Guyana. Change remaking Guyana the breadbasket of the Caribbean, By Indians,Dooglas, Chinese, Portuguese, A voice on the intercom awoke me from my trance, Whites, Blacks and Amerindians. Almost home again, I wanted to dance. Change like a grass knife that cuts the weed “Ladies and gentlemen fasten your seatbelts please, Of nepotism, injustice corruption and greed. Arrival time ten minutes, temperature 81 degrees. Change upstairs, downstairs chicken and coop, Weather sunny, clear and bright, Now who’s the dupe? Hope you enjoyed your flight Change from a blasted idiosyncratic, ethnocentric, nincompoop. To the capital Now who got caught in the loop? AHWETOWN, GUYANA. Change from a mindset in foreclose, Yeah man. With words like bullets, words like blows. AHWETOWN! Change that takes Guyana from the dharam sala By a page from the playbook of Nelson Mandela. Change eventuated without a military coup, But by the will of the people a man-in-the-street like you.

Ahwetown!John G. Morris

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine Ah was flyin fuh jubilee to Guyana Change initiated without a rat-a-tat-tat, Straight from Miami, Florida. But by two common foot soldiers who belled the cat. De prodigal son again returnin home Change not by ahwe boy but by all ahwe, As he turn his footsteps from a protracted roam. Change you can touch, change you can see. Ah had a few drinks a couple a finee, Change from the imposed singularity of Georgetown, 31 An ah wish it was de buckman piwaree. To the inclusive, cohesive, collectivity of Ahwetown. Meh eyes ah close Change to be, An fall into a doze. By ahwe. Ah tink ah was dreamin, but instead Ah had a vision of meh beloved land of the Golden Maybe the Victoria Regia is the Water Lilly called by Arrowhead. another name, Or is it the same? A vision about positive change in Guyana, One thing that’s constant is irrevocable change, Change in the land of the mighty Roraima. Incipient change can start with a name. Change doesn’t come quick like turning on the light. Is a slow process to day from a long long night. Bury Georgetown with King George, And call that George. Transformational leadership Then arise triumphant, glorious from the ashes of the past, Presupposes the heavy burden of effective stewardship. A new name. Ahwetown at last.

Change plutonic, change platonic, Then I saw people in other planes from the diaspora, Sweeping in like a tidal wave from the Atlantic. Flying straight to AhwetownGuyana. Change like tropical rain nourishes the land, From Europe and Africa, By the sweat of thy brow and callouses in the hand Straight to Ahwetown, Guyana. Change that is deaf to the doubting thomases that bray, From America and Canada, But attunes itself to the yea not the nay. Straight to Ahwetown, Guyana. Change that turns a defiant back From Trinidad and Jamaica, To the nationalistic suicidal philosophy of apan jhat. Straight to Ahwetown, Guyana. Change by aggressive mimicry, From Cuba and even Venezuela, The more you look the more you see. Straight to Ahwetown, Guyana. Change remaking Guyana the breadbasket of the Caribbean, By Indians,Dooglas, Chinese, Portuguese, A voice on the intercom awoke me from my trance, Whites, Blacks and Amerindians. Almost home again, I wanted to dance. Change like a grass knife that cuts the weed “Ladies and gentlemen fasten your seatbelts please, Of nepotism, injustice corruption and greed. Arrival time ten minutes, temperature 81 degrees. Change upstairs, downstairs chicken and coop, Weather sunny, clear and bright, Now who’s the dupe? Hope you enjoyed your flight Change from a blasted idiosyncratic, ethnocentric, nincompoop. To the capital Now who got caught in the loop? AHWETOWN, GUYANA. Change from a mindset in foreclose, Yeah man. With words like bullets, words like blows. AHWETOWN! Change that takes Guyana from the dharam sala By a page from the playbook of Nelson Mandela. Change eventuated without a military coup, But by the will of the people a man-in-the-street like you.

Ahwetown!John G. Morris

Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc. on-line Magazine